Cooley Middle School has a new club this school year that honors veterans while promoting both academic growth and personal enrichment. The club is a chapter of Imprints of Honor, also known as The Veterans Heritage Project, an Arizona-based organization that has been documenting veterans' stories since its inception in 2004. To date, it has recorded the experiences of over 2,500 veterans. This club offers students unique opportunities to engage with these impactful stories, providing them with valuable skills and experiences that will benefit them throughout their lives.
“I have been very excited about bringing the Veterans Heritage Project to Cooley Middle School. When I was first introduced to the organization, I immediately recognized the great value of reaching out to veterans and documenting their stories. I also saw the benefit of students being actively involved in the process, as they would learn new skills, develop bonds and friendships with our veterans, and gain opportunities that could further their goals and aspirations for years to come,” said Troy Nelson, 7th-grade social studies teacher at Cooley Middle School and club sponsor.
The club offers significant benefits for both students and veterans. Students develop essential skills such as interviewing, writing, and meeting deadlines. They may even become published authors or artists if their work is selected for inclusion in the club’s book. Additionally, long-term participation can lead to college scholarships and a Civics Seal on their high school diploma. For veterans, the club provides a platform to share their stories with younger generations, fostering bonds of friendship and respect. The recorded interviews and documents are preserved in the National Archives, ensuring their stories are permanently honored.
“I joined the Veterans Heritage Project because I wanted to make a lasting impact on the world and amplify more veterans’ stories. Not only did I want to make a difference for veterans, but I also wanted to honor my family members' stories and ensure that everyone's voice is heard. The Veterans Heritage Project is an amazing opportunity for students everywhere to learn from and honor veterans,” said Avery Kaiser, a 7th grader at Cooley Middle School.
HUSD honors veterans through programs like these, along with Veterans Day parades, Veterans Breakfast events, gratitude displays and other activities designed to express support for veterans. These initiatives demonstrate Higley’s Portrait of a Graduate pillar of Responsible Citizenship while creating opportunities for meaningful engagement that can inspire future generations to uphold the values of service and sacrifice.
